Israeli troops shot and killed three Palestinians near the Israel-Gaza border fence on Tuesday, the Israeli army said. Palestinian security officials said the three were members of the Jihad group, but the group did not immediately confirm the claim, the Associated Press reported. Palestinian medics discovered the bodies after daybreak near the Kissufim crossing. Doctors said identification was difficult and that the three apparently were hit by heavy gunfire. The army said soldiers had opened fire after spotting what they considered suspicious figures walking near the fence, carrying large bags. Tanks also fired in the direction of the three men, the army said. No weapons were found near the bodies. Also Tuesday, Israeli soldiers, backed by helicopter gunships, tanks and armored personnel carriers, moved into Palestinian-controlled areas near the main cargo crossing between Israel and Gaza, conducting house-to-house searches. The army said soldiers surrounded a house and exchanged fire with wanted Palestinians, including two Hamas members, who were inside. One of the members was wounded and all five were arrested, the Israeli army said. Palestinian medics put the number of wounded at five, the Associated Press reported. Separately, in southern Gaza, the Israeli army moved into farmlands near the town of Khan Younis, firing machine guns into the fields after calling on farmers to evacuate the area, Palestinian security officials said. Cameramen filming the operation said they came under fire, but were not wounded.
